Fortress Biotech Inc

Previous wording

If any of our product candidates causes unacceptable adverse safety events in clinical trials, we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval or commercialize such product, preventing us from generating revenue from such products’ sale. Alternatively, even if a product candidate is approved for marketing, future adverse events could lead to the withdrawal of such product from the market.

Current wording

If any of our product candidates causes unacceptable adverse safety events in clinical trials, we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval or commercialize such product, if approved, preventing us from generating revenue from such products’ sale. Alternatively, even if a product candidate is approved for marketing, future adverse events could lead to the withdrawal of such product from the market.

Previous wording

At September 30, 2024, the total amount of debt outstanding, net of the debt discount, was $52.5 million. If we default on our obligations, the holders of our debt may declare the outstanding amounts immediately payable together with accrued interest, and/or take possession of any pledged collateral. If an event of default occurs, we may be unable to cure it within the applicable cure period, if at all. If the maturity of our indebtedness is accelerated, we may not have sufficient funds available for repayment and we may be unable to borrow or obtain sufficient funds to replace the accelerated indebtedness on terms acceptable to us, or at all. In addition, current or future debt obligations may limit our ability to finance future operations, satisfy capital needs, or to engage in, expand or pursue our business activities. Such restrictions may also prevent us from engaging in activities that could be beneficial to our business and our stockholders unless we repay the outstanding debt, which may not be desirable or possible.

Current wording

At March 31, 2025, the total amount of debt outstanding, net of the debt discount, was $58.3 million. If we default on our obligations, the holders of our debt may declare the outstanding amounts immediately payable together with accrued interest, and/or take possession of any pledged collateral. If an event of default occurs, we may be unable to cure it within the applicable cure period, if at all. If the maturity of our indebtedness is accelerated, we may not have sufficient funds available for repayment and we may be unable to borrow or obtain sufficient funds to replace the accelerated indebtedness on terms acceptable to us, or at all. In addition, current or future debt obligations may limit our ability to finance future operations, satisfy capital needs, or to engage in, expand or pursue our business activities. Such restrictions may also prevent us from engaging in activities that could be beneficial to our business and our stockholders unless we repay the outstanding debt, which may not be desirable or possible.

Previous wording

On August 27, 2020, we entered into a $60 million senior secured credit agreement (the “Prior Oaktree Agreement” and the debt thereunder, the “Oaktree Note”) with Oaktree Fund Administration, LLC and the lenders from time-to-time party thereto (collectively, “Oaktree”). On July 25, 2024, we, as borrower, entered into a $50.0 million senior secured credit agreement (the “New Oaktree Agreement”) with Oaktree. We borrowed $35.0 million under the Agreement on the date of the agreement and are eligible to draw up to an additional $15.0 million with the lenders’ consent. The New Oaktree Agreement replaces the Prior Oaktree Agreement. The New Oaktree Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including, among other things, restrictions on indebtedness, liens, investments, mergers, dispositions, prepayment of other indebtedness, and dividends and other distributions, subject to certain exceptions. In addition, the New Oaktree Agreement contains certain financial covenants, including, (i) a requirement that we maintain a minimum liquidity of $7.0 million, which may be reduced or increased as described in the New Oaktree Agreement, and (ii) that product net sales of Journey meet a consolidated minimum net sales amount of $50.0 million on a trailing 12-month basis, tested quarterly, which may be reduced or increased as described in the New Oaktree Agreement (the “Minimum Net Sales Test”), subject to certain exclusions. Failure by the Company to comply with the financial covenants will result in an event of default, subject to certain cure rights with respect to the Minimum Net Sales Test. The breach of any other such provisions (even, potentially, in an immaterial manner) could result in an event of default under the New Oaktree Agreement, the announcement and impact of which could have a negative impact on the trading prices of our securities. The restrictions imposed by such provisions may also inhibit our and certain of our subsidiaries and partner companies’ ability to enter into certain transactions or arrangements that management otherwise believes would be in our or such partner companies’ best interests, such as dispositions that would result in cash inflows to Fortress and/or our subsidiaries and partner companies, or acquisitions or financings that would promote future growth.

Current wording

On July 25, 2024, we, as borrower, entered into a $50.0 million senior secured credit agreement (the “Oaktree Agreement”) with Oaktree Fund Administration, LLC and the lenders from time-to-time party thereto (collectively, “Oaktree”). We borrowed $35.0 million under the Oaktree Agreement on the date of the agreement and are eligible to draw up to an additional $15.0 million with the lenders’ consent. The Oaktree Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including, among other things, restrictions on indebtedness, liens, investments, mergers, dispositions, prepayment of other indebtedness, and dividends and other distributions, subject to certain exceptions. In addition, the Oaktree Agreement contains certain financial covenants, including, (i) a requirement that we maintain a minimum liquidity of $7.0 million, which may be reduced or increased as described in the Oaktree Agreement, and (ii) that product net sales of Journey meet a consolidated minimum net sales amount of $50.0 million on a trailing 12-month basis, tested quarterly, which may be reduced or increased as described in the Oaktree Agreement (the “Minimum Net Sales Test”), subject to certain exclusions. Failure by the Company to comply with the financial covenants will result in an event of default, subject to certain cure rights with respect to the Minimum Net Sales Test. The Oaktree Agreement contains events of default that are customary for financings of this type, in certain circumstances subject to customary cure periods. In addition, the Company is also required to (i) raise common equity, or receive in monetizations or distributions, by the end of each calendar year prior to the maturity date, in an aggregate amount equal to the greater of $20 million or 50% of an amount set forth in an annual budget delivered to the lenders and (ii) maintain a specified minimum equity stake in Journey. The breach of any other such provisions (even, potentially, in an immaterial manner) could result in an event of default under the Oaktree Agreement, the announcement and impact of which could have a negative impact on the trading prices of our securities. The restrictions imposed by such provisions may also inhibit our and certain of our subsidiaries and partner companies’ ability to enter into certain transactions or arrangements that management otherwise believes would be in our or such partner companies’ best interests, such as dispositions that would result in cash inflows to Fortress and/or our subsidiaries and partner companies, or acquisitions or financings that would promote future growth.

Previous wording

We continue to generate operating losses in all periods including losses from operations of approximately $86.5 million and $122.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively and $142.3 million and $203.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. At September 30, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $734.1 million. We expect to make substantial expenditures and incur increasing operating costs and interest expense in the future, and our accumulated deficit will increase significantly as we expand development and clinical trial activities for our product candidates and finance investments in certain of our existing and new subsidiaries in accordance with our growth strategy. Our losses have had, and are expected to continue to have, an adverse impact on our working capital, total assets and stockholders’ equity.

Current wording

We continue to generate operating losses in all periods including losses from operations of approximately $22.7 million and $36.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively and $110.4 million and $142.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. At March 31, 2025, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $751.5 million. We expect to make substantial expenditures and incur increasing operating costs and interest expense in the future, and our accumulated deficit will increase significantly as we expand development and clinical trial activities for our product candidates and finance investments in certain of our existing and new subsidiaries in accordance with our growth strategy. Our losses have had, and are expected to continue to have, an adverse impact on our working capital, total assets and stockholders’ equity.

Previous wording

Our ability to become profitable depends upon our ability to generate revenue. To date, we have not generated any revenue from our development stage products, and we do not know when, or if, we will generate any revenue from such development-stage products. Our ability to generate revenue from such development-stage products depends on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, our ability to:

Current wording

Our ability to become profitable depends upon our ability to generate revenue. To date, other than from Journey, we have not generated any revenue from our development stage products, and we do not know when, or if, we will generate any revenue from such development-stage products. Our ability to generate revenue from such development-stage products depends on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, our ability to:

Previous wording

Our operations have consumed substantial amounts of cash since inception. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we incurred R&D expenses of approximately $46.9 million and $92.0 million, respectively, and during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we incurred R&D expenses of approximately $101.7 million and $134.2 million, respectively. We expect to continue to spend significant amounts on our growth strategy. We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents will enable us to continue to fund operations in the normal course of business for at least the next 12 months from the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Until such time, if ever, as we can generate a sufficient amount of product revenue and achieve profitability, we expect to seek to finance potential cash needs.

Current wording

Our operations have consumed substantial amounts of cash since inception. During the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, we incurred R&D expenses of approximately $4.3 million and $24.8 million, respectively, and during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, we incurred R&D expenses of approximately $56.6 million and $101.7 million, respectively. We expect to continue to spend significant amounts on our growth strategy. We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents will enable us to continue to fund operations in the normal course of business for at least the next 12 months from the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Until such time, if ever, as we can generate a sufficient amount of product revenue and achieve profitability, we expect to seek to finance potential cash needs.

Previous wording

We have historically relied in part on sales of our common stock to fund our operations. For example, we raised an aggregate of approximately $30.2 million in gross proceeds in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 and $6.5 million in gross proceeds in fiscal 2024 to date through the sale of shares of our common stock and other securities in offerings made under a Form S-3 “shelf” registration statement. Using a shelf registration statement to conduct an equity offering to raise capital generally takes less time and is less expensive than other means, such as conducting an offering under a Form S-1 registration statement. We are no longer eligible to file any new shelf registration statements due to non-payment of dividends on our Series A Preferred Stock since July 5, 2024 and, if we do not resume payment of dividends on our Series A Preferred Stock, pay all accumulated dividends and otherwise remain compliant with the other conditions for use of a Form S-3 registration statement by the time we file our next Annual Report on Form 10-K, we will lose the ability to use our currently effective “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3. Accordingly, we may then only be able to conduct additional offerings of our securities under an exemption from registration under the Securities Act or under a Form S-1 registration statement. We would expect either of these alternatives to be a more expensive method of raising additional capital and more dilutive to our stockholders relative to using a shelf registration statement.

Current wording

We have historically relied in part on sales of our common stock to fund our operations. For example, we raised an aggregate of approximately $36.6 million in net proceeds in fiscal years 2023 and 2024 and $1.0 million in net proceeds in fiscal 2025 to date through the sale of shares of our common stock and other securities in offerings made under a Form S-3 “shelf” registration statement. Using a shelf registration statement to conduct an equity offering to raise capital generally takes less time and is less expensive than other means, such as conducting an offering under a Form S-1 registration statement. We are no longer eligible to file any new shelf registration statements due to non-payment of dividends on our Series A Preferred Stock since July 5, 2024 and because we have not resumed payment of dividends on our Series A Preferred Stock or paid all accumulated dividends, we have lost the ability to use our currently effective “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3. Accordingly, we are only able to conduct additional offerings of our securities under an exemption from registration under the Securities Act or under a Form S-1 registration statement. We would expect either of these alternatives to be a more expensive method of raising additional capital and more dilutive to our stockholders relative to using a Form S-3 shelf registration statement.

Previous wording

Future revenue based on sales of our dermatology products, Qbrexza, Accutane, Amzeeq, Zilxi, Targadox, Exelderm and Luxamend, may be lower than expected or lower than in previous periods.

Current wording

Future revenue based on sales of our dermatology products, Qbrexza, Accutane, Amzeeq, Zilxi, Targadox, Exelderm, Luxamend and Emrosi, may be lower than expected or lower than in previous periods.

Previous wording

A significant portion of our sales derive from products that are without patent protection and/or are or may become subject to third-party generic competition, the introduction of new competitor products, or an increase in market share of existing competitor products, any of which could have a significant adverse impact on our operating income. Three of our marketed products, Qbrexza, Amzeeq, Zilxi, and Emrosi, for which we recently received FDA approval, currently have patent protection. Four of our marketed products, Accutane, Targadox, Luxamend and Exelderm, do not have patent protection or otherwise are not eligible for patent protection.

Current wording

A significant portion of our sales derive from products that are without patent protection and/or are or may become subject to third-party generic competition, the introduction of new competitor products, or an increase in market share of existing competitor products, any of which could have a significant adverse impact on our operating income. Four of our marketed products, Qbrexza, Amzeeq, Zilxi, and Emrosi, for which we recently received FDA approval, currently have patent protection. Four of our marketed products, Accutane, Targadox, Luxamend and Exelderm, do not have patent protection or otherwise are not eligible for patent protection.

Previous wording

In the United States there is significant interest in containing healthcare costs and increasing the scrutiny of pharmaceutical pricing practices. Congress has continually explored legislation intended to address the cost of prescription drugs. Notably, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 contains substantial drug pricing reforms, including the establishment of a drug price negotiation program within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that would require manufacturers to charge a negotiated “maximum fair price” for certain selected drugs or pay an excise tax for noncompliance, the establishment of rebate payment requirements on manufacturers of certain drugs payable under Medicare Parts B and D to penalize price increases that outpace inflation, and requires manufacturers to provide discounts on Part D drugs. Substantial penalties can be assessed for noncompliance with the drug pricing provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 could have the effect of reducing the prices we can charge and reimbursement we receive for our products, if approved, thereby reducing our profitability, and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. The effect of Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 on our business and the pharmaceutical industry in general is not yet known.

Current wording

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “IRA”) contains substantial drug pricing reforms, including the establishment of a drug price negotiation program within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that would require manufacturers to charge a negotiated "maximum fair price" for certain selected drugs or pay an excise tax for noncompliance, the establishment of rebate payment requirements on manufacturers of certain drugs payable under Medicare Parts B and D to penalize price increases that outpace inflation, and requires manufacturers to provide discounts on Part D drugs. Orphan drugs that treat only one rare disease are exempt from the IRA's drug negotiation program. Substantial penalties can be assessed for noncompliance with the drug pricing provisions in the IRA. The effects of the IRA on the pharmaceutical industry in general are not yet known.

Previous wording

We expect that the ACA, as well as other healthcare reform measures that may be adopted in the future, may result in more rigorous coverage criteria and additional downward pressure on the payment that we receive for any approved drug. Any reduction in reimbursement from Medicare or other government healthcare programs may result in a similar reduction in payments from private payors. The implementation of cost containment measures or other healthcare reforms may prevent us from being able to generate revenue, attain profitability, or commercialize our drugs.

Current wording

The implementation of any of the cost containment measures or other healthcare reforms discussed above may prevent us from being able to generate revenue, attain profitability or commercialize our products.

Previous wording

Legislative and regulatory proposals have been made to expand post-approval requirements and restrict sales and promotional activities for pharmaceutical products. We cannot be sure whether additional legislative changes will be enacted, or whether FDA regulations, guidance or interpretations will be changed, or what the impact of such changes on the marketing approvals, if any, of our product candidate, may be. In addition, increased scrutiny by the U.S. Congress of the FDA’s approval process may significantly delay or prevent marketing approval, as well as subject us to more stringent product labeling and post-marketing conditions and other requirements.

Current wording

Legislative and regulatory proposals have been made to expand post-approval requirements and restrict sales and promotional activities for drugs. It is uncertain whether additional legislative changes will be enacted, or whether the FDA regulations, guidance or interpretations will be changed, or what the impact of such changes may be. In addition, increased Congressional scrutiny of the FDA’s approval process, as well as staffing cuts effected at the FDA in early 2025, may significantly delay or prevent marketing approval, and the industry could become subject to more stringent product labeling and post-marketing testing and other requirements, any of which could have a material adverse impact on the development and commercialization of drug products.

Previous wording

We have entered into and consummated several partnerships and/or contingent sales of our assets and subsidiaries, including an equity investment and contingent acquisition agreement between Caelum and AstraZeneca (the acquisition component of which has consummated) and a development funding and contingent asset purchase between Cyprium and Sentynl (the acquisition component of which has not yet consummated). Each of these arrangements has been time-consuming and has diverted management’s attention. As a result of these consummated/contingent sales, as with other similar transactions that we may complete, we may experience a reduction in the size or scope of our business, our market share in particular markets, our opportunities with respect to certain markets, products or therapeutic categories or our ability to compete in certain markets and therapeutic categories.

Current wording

We have entered into and consummated several partnerships and/or contingent sales of our assets and subsidiaries, including an agreement under which Checkpoint will be acquired by Sun Pharma, an equity investment and contingent acquisition agreement between Caelum and AstraZeneca and a development funding and contingent asset purchase between Cyprium and Sentynl, of which the acquisition components of each such transaction have not yet been consummated. Each of these arrangements has been time-consuming and has diverted management’s attention, and there can be no assurance that any of these transactions closes in a timely manner, or at all. With respect to the Checkpoint acquisition in particular, due to uncertainties as to the timing of the completion of the transaction, uncertainties as to whether Checkpoint’s stockholders will vote to approve the transaction, the possibility that competing offers will be made and the possibility that various closing conditions for the transaction may not be satisfied or waived, including that a governmental entity may prohibit, delay or refuse to grant approval for the consummation of the transaction (or only grant approval subject to adverse conditions or limitations), Fortress may not realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction in the time frame expected, or at all. As a result of these consummated/contingent sales, as with other similar transactions that we may complete, we may experience a reduction in the size or scope of our business, our market share in particular markets, our opportunities with respect to certain markets, products or therapeutic categories or our ability to compete in certain markets and therapeutic categories.

Previous wording

Certain of our executive officers, directors and stockholders own nearly or more than 10% of our outstanding Common Stock and, together with their affiliates and related persons, beneficially own a significant percentage of our capital stock. If these stockholders were to choose to act together, they would be able to influence our management and affairs and the outcome of matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, including the election of directors and any sale, merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of our

Current wording

Certain of our executive officers, directors and stockholders own nearly or more than 10% of our outstanding Common Stock and, together with their affiliates and related persons, beneficially own a significant percentage of our capital stock. If these stockholders were to choose to act together, they would be able to influence our management and affairs and the outcome of matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, including the election of directors and any sale, merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. This concentration of voting power could delay or prevent an acquisition of our company on terms that other stockholders may desire. In addition, this concentration of ownership might adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock by:

Previous wording

Any terrorist attack, other act of violence or war, including military conflicts, could result in increased volatility in, or damage to, the worldwide financial markets and economy. This includes Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the conflict between Israel and the Hamas and Hezbollah extremist groups, recent attacks by armed groups on cargo ships in the Red Sea, and tensions across the Taiwan Strait. For instance, the United States or other countries may impose sanctions that restrict doing business in the effected countries and increased military conflict may affect third-party vendors and cause delays.

Current wording

Any terrorist attack, other act of violence or war, including military conflicts, could result in increased volatility in, or damage to, the worldwide financial markets and economy. This includes Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the conflict between Israel and the Hamas and Hezbollah extremist groups, attacks by armed groups on cargo ships in the Red Sea, and tensions across the Taiwan Strait. For instance, the United States or other countries may impose sanctions that restrict doing business in the effected countries and increased military conflict may affect third-party vendors and cause delays.

Previous wording

We depend heavily on third party manufacturers for product supply. If our contract manufacturers cannot successfully manufacture material that conforms to applicable specifications and FDA regulatory requirements, we will not be able to secure and/or maintain FDA approval for those products. Our third-party suppliers will be required to maintain compliance with cGMPs and will be subject to inspections by the FDA and comparable agencies and authorities in other jurisdictions to confirm such compliance. In the event that the FDA or such other authorities determine that our third-party suppliers have not complied with cGMPs or comparable regulations, the relevant clinical trials could be terminated or subjected to clinical hold until such time as we are able to obtain appropriate replacement material and/or applicable compliance, and commercial product could be unfit for sale, or if distributed, could be recalled from the market. Any delay, interruption or other issues that arise in the manufacture, testing, packaging, labeling, storage, or distribution of our products as a result of a failure of the facilities or operations of our third-party suppliers to comply with regulatory requirements, pass any regulatory agency inspection or otherwise perform under our agreements with them could significantly impair our ability to develop and commercialize our products and product candidates. In addition, several of our currently commercialized products, sold through our partner company Journey, are produced by a single manufacturer, and, although we closely monitor inventory prophylactically, disruptions to such supply arrangements could adversely affect our ability to meet product demand and therefore diminish revenues. Finally, in light of partner company Mustang’s recent reduction in force in April 2024, we may increase our reliance at Mustang on third-party manufacturers or third-party collaborators for the manufacture of commercial supply of one or more product candidates for which our collaborators or we obtain marketing approval. We may be unable to establish any agreements with third-party manufacturers or to do so on acceptable terms, and even if we are able to establish such agreements with third-party manufacturers, reliance entails additional risks.

Current wording

We depend heavily on third party manufacturers for product supply. If our contract manufacturers cannot successfully manufacture material that conforms to applicable specifications and FDA regulatory requirements, we will not be able to secure and/or maintain FDA approval for those products. Our third-party suppliers will be required to maintain compliance with cGMPs and will be subject to inspections by the FDA and comparable agencies and authorities in other jurisdictions to confirm such compliance. In the event that the FDA or such other authorities determine that our third-party suppliers have not complied with cGMPs or comparable regulations, the relevant clinical trials could be terminated or subjected to clinical hold until such time as we are able to obtain appropriate replacement material and/or applicable compliance, and commercial product could be unfit for sale, or if distributed, could be recalled from the market. Any delay, interruption or other issues that arise in the manufacture, testing, packaging, labeling, storage, or distribution of our products as a result of a failure of the facilities or operations of our third-party suppliers to comply with regulatory requirements, pass any regulatory agency inspection or otherwise perform under our agreements with them could significantly impair our ability to develop and commercialize our products and product candidates. In addition, several of our currently commercialized products, sold through our partner company Journey, are produced by a single manufacturer, and, although we closely monitor inventory prophylactically, disruptions to such supply arrangements could adversely affect our ability to meet product demand and therefore diminish revenues. Finally, in light of our partner company Mustang’s recent exit from its leased manufacturing facility and reduction in force in April 2024, we may increase our reliance at Mustang on third-party manufacturers or third-party collaborators for the manufacture of commercial supply of one or more product candidates for which our collaborators or we obtain marketing approval. We may be unable to establish any agreements with third-party manufacturers or to do so on acceptable terms, and even if we are able to establish such agreements with third-party manufacturers, reliance entails additional risks.

Previous wording

We do not expect to have the resources or capacity to engage in our own commercial manufacturing of our product candidates, if they received marketing approval, and would likely continue to be heavily dependent upon third-party manufacturers. Our dependence on third parties to manufacture and supply clinical trial materials, as well as our planned dependence on third party manufacturers for any products that may be approved, may adversely affect our ability to develop and commercialize products in a timely or cost-effective manner, or at all. In addition to the manufacturing and supply functions they provide, third-party manufacturers also play a key role in our efforts to obtain marketing approval for our product candidates, by interacting with, providing important information to, and hosting inspections by, applicable regulatory authorities. If a given contract development and manufacturing organization upon whom we rely in such a capacity is unwilling or unable to perform these activities on our behalf, the successful development and/or approval of the applicable product candidate could be delayed significantly.

Current wording

We do not expect to have the resources or capacity to engage in our own commercial manufacturing of our product candidates, if they received marketing approval, and would likely continue to be heavily dependent upon third-party manufacturers. Our dependence on third parties to manufacture and supply clinical trial materials, as well as our planned dependence on third party manufacturers for any product candidates that may be approved, may adversely affect our ability to develop and commercialize products in a timely or cost-effective manner, or at all. In addition to the manufacturing and supply functions they provide, third-party manufacturers also play a key role in our efforts to obtain marketing approval for our product candidates, by interacting with, providing important information to, and hosting inspections by, applicable regulatory authorities. If a given contract development and manufacturing organization upon whom we rely in such a capacity is unwilling or unable to perform these activities on our behalf, the successful development and/or approval of the applicable product candidate could be delayed significantly.

Previous wording

In addition, because of the sometimes-limited number of third parties who specialize in the development, manufacture and/or supply of our clinical and preclinical materials, we are often compelled to accept contractual terms that we deem less than desirable, including without limitation as pertains representations and warranties, supply disruptions/failures, covenants and liability/indemnification. Especially as pertains liability and indemnification provisions, because of the frequent disparities in negotiating leverage, we are often compelled to agree to low caps on counterparty liability and/or indemnification language that could result in outsized liability to us in situations where we have zero or relatively little culpability.

Current wording

In addition, because of the sometimes-limited number of third parties who specialize in the development, manufacture and/or supply of our clinical and preclinical materials, particularly in the development and manufacture of gene therapy products, we are often compelled to accept contractual terms that we deem less than desirable, including without limitation as pertains representations and warranties, supply disruptions/failures, covenants and liability/indemnification. Especially as pertains liability and indemnification provisions, because of the frequent disparities in negotiating leverage, we are often compelled to agree to low caps on counterparty liability and/or indemnification language that could result in outsized liability to us in situations where we have zero or relatively little culpability.

Previous wording

September 30, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $734.1 million, and as of December 31, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $694.9 million. We may need to rely on third parties for activities critical to the product candidate development process, including but not necessarily limited to:

Current wording

March 31, 2025, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $751.5 million, and as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $740.9 million and $694.9 million, respectively. We may need to rely on third parties for activities critical to the product candidate development process, including but not necessarily limited to:

Previous wording

We anticipate substantial reliance on strategic collaborations for marketing and commercializing our existing product candidates and we may rely even more on strategic collaborations for R&D of other product candidates. We may sell product offerings through strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. If we are unable to establish or manage such strategic collaborations on terms favorable to us in the future, our revenue and drug development may be limited.

Current wording

We anticipate substantial reliance on strategic collaborations for marketing and commercializing our existing product candidates, if approved, and we may rely even more on strategic collaborations for R&D of other product candidates. We may sell product offerings through strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. If we are unable to establish or manage such strategic collaborations on terms favorable to us in the future, our revenue and drug development may be limited.

Previous wording

Recent patent reform legislation could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of our patent applications and the enforcement or defense of our issued patents. On September 16, 2011, the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, or the Leahy-Smith Act, was signed into law. The Leahy-Smith Act includes a number of significant changes to United States patent law. These include changes to transition from a “first-to-invent” system to a “first inventor-to-file” system and to the way issued patents are challenged. The formation of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board now provides a less burdensome, quicker and less expensive process for challenging issued patents. The PTO recently developed new regulations and procedures to govern administration of the Leahy-Smith Act, and many of the substantive changes to patent law associated with the Leahy-Smith Act, and in particular, the first inventor-to-file provisions, only became effective on March 16, 2013. Accordingly, it is not clear what, if any, impact the Leahy-Smith Act will have on the operation of our business. However, the Leahy-Smith Act and its implementation could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of our patent applications and the enforcement or defense of our issued patents, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

Current wording

Recent patent reform legislation could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of our patent applications and the enforcement or defense of our issued patents. On September 16, 2011, the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, or the Leahy-Smith Act, was signed into law. The Leahy-Smith Act includes a number of significant changes to United States patent law. These include changes to transition from a “first-to-invent” system to a “first inventor-to-file” system and to the way issued patents are challenged. The formation of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board now provides a less burdensome, quicker and less expensive process for challenging issued patents. The PTO developed new regulations and procedures to govern administration of the Leahy-Smith Act, and many of the substantive changes to patent law associated with the Leahy-Smith Act, and in particular, the first inventor-to-file provisions, only became effective on March 16, 2013. Accordingly, it is not clear what, if any, impact the Leahy-Smith Act will have on the operation of our business. However, the Leahy-Smith Act and its implementation could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of our patent applications and the enforcement or defense of our issued patents, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

Previous wording

Risks Pertaining to the Commercialization of Product Candidates

Current wording

Risks Pertaining to the Commercialization of Product Candidates, if Approved

Previous wording

If such an event were to occur and cause interruptions in our operations, it could result in a material disruption of our development programs and our business operations, and could result in financial, legal, business, and reputational harm to us. For example, in 2021, our partner company Journey was the victim of a cybersecurity incident that affected its accounts payable function and led to approximately $9.5 million in wire transfers being misdirected to fraudulent accounts. The details of the incident and its origin were investigated with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts working at the direction of legal counsel. The matter was reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and does not appear to have compromised any personally identifiable information or protected health information. The federal government has been able to seize a significant amount of cryptocurrency assets associated with the breach. Once the cryptocurrency has been converted back into U.S. dollars, Journey expects to receive a notification letter to initiate the return of the cash. This process could take as long as six months or more to complete. Fortress and Journey may incur additional expenses and losses as a result of this cybersecurity incident, including those related to investigation fees and remediation costs.

Current wording

If such an event were to occur and cause interruptions in our operations, it could result in a material disruption of our development programs and our business operations, and could result in financial, legal, business, and reputational harm to us. For example, in 2021, our partner company Journey was the victim of a cybersecurity incident that affected its accounts payable function and led to approximately $9.5 million in wire transfers being misdirected to fraudulent accounts. The details of the incident and its origin were investigated with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts working at the direction of legal counsel. The matter was reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and does not appear to have compromised any personally identifiable information or protected health information. The federal government was able to trace and seize the fraudulently transferred cryptocurrency associated with the breach. On September 19, 2024, the United Stated District Court Southern District of New York through the United States Marshalls notified the Company that it has recovered and would be returning to the Company a portion of the misappropriated cash, and in December of 2024 Journey received $4.6 million in connection with the recovery of funds related to the cybersecurity incident.

Previous wording

Almost all of our outstanding shares of our Common Stock, inclusive of outstanding equity awards, are available for sale in the public market, either pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or an effective registration statement. In addition, pursuant to our current shelf registration statements on Form S-3, from time to time we may issue and sell shares of our Common Stock or Series A Preferred Stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $50 million. Any sale of a substantial number of shares of our Common Stock or our Series A Preferred Stock could cause a drop in the trading price of our Common Stock or Series A Preferred Stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market.

Current wording

Almost all of our outstanding shares of our Common Stock, inclusive of outstanding equity awards, are available for sale in the public market, either pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or an effective registration statement. Any sale of a substantial number of shares of our Common Stock or our Series A Preferred Stock could cause a drop in the trading price of our Common Stock or Series A Preferred Stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market.

Previous wording

The ability of the FDA to review and approve new products can be affected by a variety of factors, including government budget and funding levels, ability to hire and retain key personnel, ability to accept the payment of user fees, and statutory, regulatory, and policy changes. Average review times at the agency have fluctuated in recent years as a result. In addition, government funding of other government agencies that fund research and development activities is subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable.

Current wording

The ability of the FDA to review and approve new products can be affected by a variety of factors, including government budget and funding levels, ability to hire and retain key personnel, ability to accept the payment of user fees, and statutory, regulatory, and policy changes. Average review times at the agency have fluctuated in recent years as a result. In addition, government funding of other government agencies that fund research and development activities is subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable. We do not know what impact any changes by the new presidential administration will have on our business or the business of our partners.

Previous wording

We customarily invest a significant portion of our cash in Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”) accounts, which bear interest income to us that fluctuates according to adjustments in the target federal funds rate effected by the U.S. Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”). The FOMC recently lowered the target federal funds rate and is anticipated by some to effect further decreases over the coming weeks and months, actions which have decreased, and could further decrease, the amount of interest income that we generate on our CDARS and on other short-term cash equivalent investment securities that we may hold.

Current wording

We customarily invest a significant portion of our cash in Insured Cash Sweeps (“ICS”) and/or Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”) accounts, each of which bear interest income to us that fluctuates according to adjustments in the target federal funds rate effected by the U.S. Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”). The FOMC recently lowered the target federal funds rate and is anticipated by some to effect further decreases over the coming weeks and months, actions which have decreased and could further decrease, the amount of interest income that we generate on our ICS, CDARS, and other short-term cash equivalent investment securities that we may hold.